Our Legacy Campaign

Plant a seed. Grow your legacy. Leave a gift in your will.

My Legacy Month is our annual awareness campaign to encourage and inspire everyone to consider including a legacy gift in their will. We were delighted that GAA legend Pat Spillane and his daughter Cara were our 2022 My Legacy Month campaign ambassadors and it was really lovely chatting to them last September.

Pat said: “Having recently made some big career decisions in my life and having taken a step back from my GAA punditry, it has given me some time to take stock and consider what’s important to me and what I want next in life. My father died suddenly when I was very young and reflecting on that time, I realise how important it is to have your affairs in order for your own peace of mind and for your family too”.

“Some people might be uncomfortable talking about wills and it can be something that people put on the long finger but it is a much easier process than people might realise. It’s an important task whatever stage of life you’re at – whether that’s buying your first home, starting a family, or even retiring or taking your career in a new direction like I am right now”.

“Leaving a legacy gift in your will is a really valuable way to ensure that a cause you care about is supported in the future. One of the myths around legacy giving is that it only applies to very wealthy or older people but in reality, anyone can make a difference by including a gift in their will.”

“Aside from the legacy I hope I leave within the GAA, one of the causes that’s important to me and my family is the brilliant work of cancer charities in Ireland. We’ve been supporting the work of My Legacy member, Irish Cancer Society, for several years and it’s great to know that any legacy I leave will support them, the people they help and the vital work they do across the country, several years into the future.”

Pat’s daughter Cara Spillane echoed his sentiments: “As a person in their early thirties, making a will might have seemed like something I don’t need to think about for hopefully many years to come. But, through the My Legacy Month campaign, I’ve learned that it’s never too early to start those conversations about your own legacy or the legacy of your loved ones”.

“We’re known for being a nation that is often puts off discussing taboo subjects, and I think making a will definitely falls into that category! But talking openly with your family about what happens after you’re gone, means that when the time comes, you’re sure your wishes will be met. A commitment of a legacy gift to a charity – no matter how big or small, or whether you’re 32 or 82 – is a really valuable way to give back to a cause that’s close to your heart and can have a transformative impact on someone they look after.”

What cause would you choose to leave a legacy gift to?

Large or small, every legacy is a generous gift of hope and trust in a better future.

Once family and friends have been looked after and all other important personal decisions have been made, deciding to include a legacy gift to a charity is a very special way to support a cause that matters to you in the future.

We all know that having a will is very important for so many good reasons and we encourage you to take that first step in writing your will by making an appointment with a solicitor.

It is usually a much more straightforward and cost effective process than you might think; it will only take about an hour or so of your time. Your solicitor will also tell you what information is needed for drawing up this very important personal document when you make your appointment. You can find a solicitor near you at Law Society of Ireland